Nekrophagy

Nekrophagy is the practice of consuming carrion, which is the flesh of dead animals. This behavior is observed in a wide range of species, including insects, birds, mammals, and reptiles. Animals that engage in nekrophagy are known as scavengers.

Scavenging plays a crucial role in ecosystems by helping to clean up dead organic matter, which can prevent the spread of disease. It also contributes to nutrient cycling by returning essential elements to the soil. Many scavengers have specialized adaptations for finding and consuming carrion, such as keen senses of smell or sight, and strong digestive systems capable of processing decaying flesh.

Examples of nekrophagous animals include vultures, hyenas, jackals, crows, and certain beetles. Some animals are obligate scavengers, meaning they rely almost entirely on carrion for their diet, while others are facultative scavengers, incorporating carrion into their diet opportunistically. The availability of carrion can influence the populations and distribution of scavenger species. In some cases, human activities, such as leaving carcasses in the environment or agricultural practices, can impact scavenger populations.